Volunteers helped Wehr recover from flooding. Read more page 1.
Community Collective Impact when Flood Disaster Strikes
In early August, Greater Milwaukee endured a rare 1,000-year flood when up to 14 inches of rain swept across the region over just a day or two—an unprecedented deluge that overwhelmed rivers, flooded streets and homes, and submerged key venues, homes, and businesses. At Wehr Nature Center, the trails once considered accessible were no longer such. The pier was overtopped, boardwalks displaced, and woodchips washed away. While neighbors helped neighbors in our communities, volunteers throughout Milwaukee County helped survey the area and capture the devastating impacts.
Amidst the hardship, stories of resilience shone brightest—people supporting one another, volunteers stepping up, and a shared commitment to rebuild stronger.
More than 30 volunteers joined our cleanup day held on August 26th, eager to clear trails. This catastrophic flood will be remembered not just for its devastation, but for how Milwaukee came together—united by compassion, determination, and unwavering community spirit—to begin the journey of recovery.
National Association of Counties
Achievement Award
I’m pleased to announce that Wehr Nature Center has earned a prestigious 2025 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award in the Parks and Recreation: Revitalize and Reimagine category for our Accessibility and Engagement initiative launched in honor of the 50th anniversary. One of the most significant areas of focus was updating our website to include features that support accessibility. Now, boasting user-friendly tools such as Superzoom, bilingual capabilities, and Dark Mode for those with vision impairments, the new site attained a remarkable 92% accessibility score (up from just 45% previously). Complementing these digital upgrades were equally important physical enhancements. The team installed new bilingual, inclusive signage throughout the facility, creating an environment that feels more navigable, welcoming, and equitable for all. Visitors arriving at Wehr are now greeted with updated maps, wayfinding tools, and visual cues that reflect Wehr’s commitment to accessibility.
As an organization committed to continuous improvement in accessibility for all, we are not stopping here. We are currently looking for your feedback on a trail signage plan we hope to implement in 2026. We invite you to take a few moments to respond to our short survey and share with us what you think will enhance the experience.
Friends of Wehr
President’s Message
I am very proud to introduce you to the Friends of Wehr staff: Rosie Garcia Carranza recently joined our team as the Friends of Wehr Administrative Assistant. In this role, she will provide Friends of Wehr administrative support as well as fundraising and event logistical support. Rosie brings data and administrative experience with non-profit organizations and an associate’s degree focused on environmental health. Outside of work, Rosie enjoys baking, sewing, and spending time with her family.
Jessica Del Toro joined our team in February 2024 as Friends of Wehr Digital Marketing Assistant and has been promoted to Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Previously, Jessica worked as a social media/marketing intern for Wehr Nature Center. She has an associate’s degree in marketing. Jessica enjoys going on nature adventures, shopping, reading, playing video games, and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs.
As Friends of Wehr continues to grow and develop, board members will be working on a staffing plan that supports future needs. We appreciate the good work of our Friends of Wehr staff members, working in partnership with Wehr Nature Center staff and volunteers.
Enjoy the beautiful fall colors at Wehr. I hope to see you on the trails and at our events. Cindy Lorentzen, Friends of Wehr President
39th Annual Cider Sunday Fundraiser
Sunday, October 5, 11:30-4:30 pm
Celebrate fall at this family-friendly event for all ages.
•Listen to the sounds of live music from The Sweet Sheiks (11:30 am-2:15 pm) and The Bluegrass Allstars (2:30-4:15 pm)
•Enjoy a fun Story Stroll and a leaf hunt and hike.
•Participate in David Stokes’s interactive presentation with live animals (12:30 & 2:30 pm)
•Enjoy tasty apple treats/desserts, apple cider
•Homemade cider beer provided by the Milwaukee Beer Barons
•Treat your taste buds with offerings from four food vendors: Cedar Teeth Pizza, Twisted Plants, Caravan One & One, and Corn Man.
•Participate in our amazing raffle baskets. New this year! 50/50 cash raffle.
•Enjoy face painting, children’s crafts, pumpkin bowling, and more!
Proceeds raised help Friends of Wehr support nature education programming and land management at Wehr.
$8 includes parking; Friends of Wehr members free
Friends of Wehr Membership Campaign
Beginning September 1, become a Friends of Wehr member and receive benefits for the remainder of 2025 and 2026, including: free Cider Sunday admission, discounts for Halloween Haunts, free parking, discounts on events and programs, and a 10% discount at the nature store. To learn more, visit: friendsofwehr.org/membership.
Donors
Thank You!
Your contributions to the Friends of Wehr are appreciated and always used with careful consideration.
Anonymous
Aon
Jane Arloszynski
Marsha Berenson
Jeannette Eichholz
Kathryn Forecki
Garden Club of Greater Milwaukee, Inc.
Phillip Gural
Gail Haag Haberman
Harold Haase
Michelle Hankes
Christie Hanrahan
Robert Horvatin
Jaynie Kutka
Mary MacLaren
Amy Michalak
Lisa Mumm
Virginia & Tom Neuberger
Susan Niescior
Renee Rudolph
Adam Ryan
Natasha Scannell
Dee Schroeder
Lynn Scott
Christopher Shadd
Gary Smieja
Steven and Jeanne Giving Fund
Betty Storey
Jerry & Patricia Styberg
Dieter Tesch
Barbara Thierfelder
Dan Tyler UHG
Cheryl Veal
Shop the Nature Store
Dennis Wentland
Wild Ones Natural Landscaping
Beth Winser
Nancy Wojnarowicz
Mark & Evonne Zalewski
Ethan & Albina Zimany
Reptile Day Sponsor
WPS Reptiles LLC
Kids In The Park
Pamela & John Shefchik
SPARK!
Susan Jensen
Mary MacLaren
In-Kind
Dave Glenn
Kathy Clarey
Mary MacLaren
Thank you to Jackie Crivello’s Wild Birds Unlimited for their continuing support in keeping our feeders full and our birds happy. Wild Birds Unlimited located at 4454 S. 108th St. Greenfield.
Explore the Friends of Wehr Nature Store for your autumn & winter essentials. Shop for seasonal items, nature-inspired jewelry, books, scientific activities, and unique products, including Bird Friendly coffee, alpaca socks, wood-wick candles, and more.
Your purchases help FOW support Wehr. FOW members receive a 10% discount. Open daily 10 am-2 pm
WEHR WORDS - Editor: Bev Bryant
Volunteer Spotlight
Carrying the Torch: Welcoming Our New Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
My name is Sophia Detweiler, and I started at the Nature Center just a few months ago. I’m incredibly excited and honored to step into this role at such a special place. Wehr is truly a hidden gem — not only because of its natural beauty but because of the people who make it thrive. It’s home to an incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming staff, and some of the most dedicated and inspiring volunteers I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. Mary Gaub, the remarkable woman who laid the foundation before me with 37 years of dedication, leaves behind a lasting legacy. I intend to do my best to carry the torch she lit and honor the meaningful shoes I’ve stepped into.
One of Mary’s dreams was to expand our outreach efforts — to help even more people discover and connect with Wehr. That dream continues to guide me. I’m working on building partnerships with UWM students to increase our presence in schools, representing Wehr at local events like farmers markets and festivals, and connecting with the amazing businesses, organizations, and individuals in our surrounding community. If I had to sum up my intentions at Wehr in three words, they would be: Collaboration, Inclusivity, and Connection.
To that end, I’ve started hosting monthly Volunteer Open Houses that welcome the public to learn more about how to get involved. If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, I’d love to meet you — stop by and say hello!
So far, I’ve really enjoyed adding my own creative touch to The Volunteer Voice newsletter, developing an interactive orientation presentation, and most importantly, working side by side with our volunteers. One of the most inspiring parts of Wehr is seeing people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities come together to care for a park that will outlive us all.
Please feel free to visit, join an orientation, or simply stop by to chat. I’m so grateful to be part of this passionate team and the community that supports it. Thank you for welcoming me with such open arms. Warmly, Sophia Detweiler, Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
Wehr’s Clubs Build Community
If you are looking to meet other nature enthusiasts, Wehr has just what you need. In addition to our many volunteer groups and activities, Wehr hosts nature-focused affiliated clubs and organizations. Whether you are new or an expert at hobbies like nature photography (Wehr Camera Club), birding (Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society), native landscaping (Wild Ones Natural Landscapers), or astronomy (Wehr Astronomical Society) there is a group of like-minded people at Wehr to get to know. These groups offer free public programs where you can learn about interesting nature topics and meet friendly folks who share your interests. They welcome new members, but there is no obligation to join by attending programs. Group members and their guest speakers are wonderful, local resources, eager to help you pursue your nature interests. You can find their public meetings listed in our Wehr Word’s monthly calendars and learn more about their organizations on our website under Clubs & Communities. Come out to Wehr and connect with a community of people who share your passions! We’re sure you’ll make some new friends.
New Volunteers Welcome!
Are you interested in finding out more about joining Wehr’s volunteer crew? Visit https://friendsofwehr.org/volunteer/ to find out more and fill out an application. Or contact Sophia Detweiler Volunteer, Coordinator, at sophia.detweiler@milwaukeecountywi.gov or by calling 414-425-8550. We’d love to meet you!
Is Climate Change Making You Sick?
The summer of 2025 brought Milwaukee winning baseball (thank you, Brewers!) and crazy weather. We had 38 days of above-average heat, the most humid weather in 46 years, and a 1,000-year flood! Even when the weather was pleasant, winds from the north carried Canadian wildfire smoke, making it difficult to breathe outdoors.
The fingerprint of climate change can be found in our “crazy” weather. Record warm ocean temperatures created abundant humidity, long-term droughts powered wildfires, and a warming atmosphere brought us hotter days. Climate change felt inescapable this summer.
As we scrambled to salvage our homes from flooding or pushed through smoky air to work outdoors, it was easy to overlook the impact the weather was having on our own personal health. Burning eyes, shortness of breath, asthma attacks, mold allergies, and anxiety were common symptoms around Milwaukee this summer, thanks to climate change.
Climate Change Is A Health Hazard
Climate change not only stresses natural systems, it stresses human health. Heat waves can cause heat strokes and trigger heart attacks. Flooding from extreme rain often leads to outbreaks of toxic mold, disease-carrying mosquitoes, and water-borne illnesses. Wildfire smoke and air pollution from burning fossil fuels have detrimental health effects. Climate change is “the single biggest health threat facing humanity,” according to the World Health Organization. Watch this video from the American Lung Association (ALA) for an overview of how a changing climate influences your health.
Smoke Gets InYour Eyes
(and lungs, and heart, and pancreas)
FINE PARTICLE (PM2.5) EFFECTS
CLIMATE CHANGE WORSENS AIR QUALITY
Contributes to smog production
The wildfire smoke that caused Milwaukee’s record number of Air Quality Index(AQI) days this summer was a toxic mixture of gaseous air pollutants and very small particles. As this ALA video explains, the tiny particles in the smoke pose the greatest danger because they are absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs.
Smoke can increase the risk for asthma, lung cancer, and other chronic lung problems, increase heart attacks, and is associated with preterm birth and miscarriage. Wildfire smoke impacts everyone’s health, but it is most damaging to children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease,
and diabetes.
A recently published study in the journal Nature found that, on average, wildfire smoke causes more than 41,400 excess deaths in the U.S. each year. Here in Wisconsin, that means hundreds of premature deaths caused by a smoky summer. Read this report from FOX6 on how wildfire smoke is impacting Wisconsin and what you can do to protect yourself and your family during air quality events.
Eye, lung, throat irritation
Asthma attacks, breathing problems
Effects of pollution from burning fossil fuels
Worsens allergy season Fuels wildfire and smoke
Smog Is Still A Thing
Smoke from wildfires is a growing source of air pollution due to climate change, but smog remains a global problem. When we burn coal, natural gas, and petroleum (heating oil, gasoline), toxic pollutants like sulfur dioxide, mercury, and fine particulates are released into the air, along with climate-changing CO2. These pollutants cause smog that acts just like wildfire smoke in our bodies, traveling from our lungs to every part of our bodies.
Health impacts from air pollution are well-documented and include lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, and even worsening diabetes. Poor air quality has a disproportionate impact on seniors and children and is linked to increased risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s in adults, and cognitive function in children. Particulate pollution can even cross the placenta and impact babies before they are born!
The good news is there is less smog in Wisconsin now than even 30 years ago, thanks to regulations that control emissions from factories, power plants, and our cars and trucks. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, from 1970 to 2020, the Clean Air Act prevented more than 435,000 premature deaths and prevented millions of cases of disease. Explore more about air pollution in this National Geographic video
Why Is The Climate Changing?
When we burn fossil fuels, such as oil, gasoline, coal, and natural gas, we release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. This rampant CO2 accumulates in the upper atmosphere, acting like a thick, heat-trapping blanket that superheats our atmosphere. This extra heat makes temperatures rise and disrupts our global weather system. Learn more at What You Need to Know About Climate Science
1 hour of leaf blowing = driving 1100 miles from Milwaukee to Tallahassee, Florida
1 hour of lawn mowing = driving 300 miles from Milwaukee to St. Paul, Minesota
What Can You Do?
•Replace gas-powered yard tools like mowers and leaf blowers with electric/battery-powered alternatives to reduce CO2 and smog-causing gases
•Reduce your use of fossil fuels. Weatherproof your home and choose energy-efficient appliances and vehicles.
•Feeling anxious about climate change? Talk about it with family and friends, get involved in climate actions, and reach out to a professional climate-aware therapist
•Support conservation efforts at Wehr and other natural areas by donating, volunteering, and advocating for their protection.
OCTOBER
Programs offered by an affiliated organization are listed in orange
For more information call 414-425-8550 All programs & events subject to change. Parking fees may apply.
Wehr Birders 8-10 am
Cider Sunday 11:30 am-4:30 pm
Wehr Birders 8-10 am
Wehr Birders 8-10 pm
Visitor Center Open 10 am- 2 pm
Wehr Birders 8-10 am
Guided Forest Bathing Walk 9-11 am NatureNauts 1-2 pm
Wehr’s 37th Annual
Halloween Haunts
Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am
Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, October 16, 17, 18 Sponsored by
Visit Wehr’s Enchanted Forest for an unforgettable evening of natural Halloween fun. Learn about misunderstood critters from costumed characters along a Jack-o-lantern-lined trail at this event designed for families with children ages 4 to 10. Advance tickets are required and are on sale now! $15 per person; $12 for Friends of Wehr members; $5 parking fee
Watch our Halloween Haunts highlight video
October Programs
Hike for Health
Wednesdays, 10-11:30 am, April-mid-November Hike along with this group that walks Wehr’s trails together for camaraderie, exercise, and fun. Meet in the Visitor Center. No fee or registration is required
Night Sky Viewing
Friday, October 24, 7-9 pm
Location: Overlook parking lot on the east side of Mallard Lake
Wehr
Birders
Sundays, 8-10 am
March-Oct.;
9-10 am
Nov.-Feb.
Join us for a morning bird hike lead by fellow birders. We meet every Sunday in front of the visitor center. All levels of experience are welcome. No fee or registration is required
Operation Recon Nature – All Ages
Friday, October 10, 4:30-5:30 pm
Veterans from all service branchesActive Duty, Reserve, and Retired personnel are invited to attend monthly walks at Wehr Nature Center. For approximately one to one and a half hours, we will travel on the trails of Wehr Nature Center to share camaraderie and experience seasonal nature happenings. No fee but online registration is required. Contact holly.walz@ milwaukeecountywi.gov with questions.
SPARK! Nature programs for adults with memory loss and their care partner
Halloween Carnival
Tues., Oct. 21, 1-2:30 pm; Wed., Oct.22, 10-11:30 am
Who says kids get all the Halloween fun? Bring your inner child to play carnival games, laugh with friends, and enjoy special Halloween treats and prizes.
No fee, but registration is required.
Click on the name of a program for more information and to register. Program audience key: Kids/Families; Adults; Special Event
Look through a telescope and learn about the night sky with experts from the Wehr Astronomical Society. Personal telescopes are welcome but not required.
Cloudy skies cancel the event.
Free. No registration is required.
Flow Yoga
Saturday, October 25, 9-10 am
Treat yourself to self-care in a peaceful, beautiful setting at Wehr. Join our monthly yoga series co-hosted by a Barefoot Haven yoga and wellness studio instructor. All levels and abilities are welcome in this indoor vinyasa flow class. Pre-register online at https:// www.thebarefoothaven.com/schedule.
Fee: $15 per session
Guided Forest Bathing Walk
Sun., October 26, 9-11 am
Unplug, slow down, and de-stress from your daily routine. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, a certified forest bathing guide will lead you through a series of sensorybased invitations designed to relax, restore, and deepen your relationship with the natural world.
Fee: $35 per person (Includes Parking); $25 for Friends of Wehr members. Online registration is required two days before the program.
NatureNauts
Wild Woodpeckers
Sunday, October 26, 1 - 2 pm
Monday, October 27, 9:30 - 10:30 am
A program for 4 - 6-year-olds with an adult Woodpeckers are beautiful and hardworking birds. Join us for a walk to see woodpecker handiwork up close. NatureNauts will make a meal fit for a woodpecker and a craft woodpecker.
Fees: $12 per person; $10 for Milwaukee County residents; $7 for Friends of Wehr (FOW) members, unless otherwise noted. A $5 parking fee applies for non-FOW members. Online registration at least two days prior to the program is required.
NOVEMBER
Programs offered by an affiliated organization are listed in orange
For more information call 414-425-8550 All programs & events subject to change. Parking fees may apply.
Wehr Birders 9-10 am Wehr Camera Club 9-11 am Wild Ones 1:30-3:30 pm Full Moon Walk for Families 7-9 pm
Little Wonders for Twos 9:30-10:30 am Little Wonders for Threes 11 am- noon
Wehr Birders 9-10 am
Guided Forest Bathing 1-3 pm
Wehr Astronomical Society OffsiteMPM Planetarium 7-9 pm
Hike for Health
10:30-11:30 am
1-2:30 pm
Wehr Birders 9-10 am SPARK! 10-11:30 am Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am WI Metro Audubon Society 7-9 pm
Wehr Birders 9-10 am NatureNauts 1-2 pm
NatureNauts 9:30-10:30 am 30
Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am
Hike for Health 10:30-11:30 am
Full Moon Walk for Adults 7-9 pm Operation Recon Nature 3-4 pm
November Highlights
Full Moon Walk for Adults
Friday. November 7, 7-9 pm
Full Moon Walk for Families
For families with children ages 6 and up Saturday, November 8, 7-9 pm
Ever wonder where the terms “lunatic” and “honeymoon” came from? Learn the facts and folklore about our closest celestial neighbor: the Moon! Explore Wehr Nature Center on a 1 hour hike under the “Beaver Moon”. Enjoy campfire treats following the hike. Fees: $12 per person; $10 Milwaukee County residents; $7 Friends of Wehr members
Online registration is required two days before the program
Center is closed. Enjoy the trails!
November Programs
Little Wonders
Turkey Trot
Monday, November 10
For 2-year-olds, 9:30-10:30 am
For 3-year-olds, 11 am-12 pm
Tots will do the turkey trot as they learn about these beautiful birds. We will read I’m a Turkey by Jim Arnosky and learn to walk, talk, and eat like wild turkeys too! Go home with a terrific turkey craft to share at the Thanksgiving table.
SPARK!
Nature programs for adults with memory loss and their care partner
Busy Beavers
Tues., Nov. 18, 1-3 pm
Wed., Nov. 19, 10-11:30 am
Join us as we explore the amazing adaptations of nature’s super-engineers! We’ll get up close with artifacts and even try our hand at building beaver structures.
No fee, but registration is required.
Flow Yoga
Saturday, November 22, 9-10 am
Treat yourself to self-care in a peaceful, beautiful setting at Wehr. Join our monthly yoga series co-hosted by a Barefoot Haven yoga and wellness studio instructor. All levels and abilities are welcome in this indoor vinyasa flow class.
Pre-register online at https://www.thebarefoothaven.com/schedule.
Fee: $15 per session
Operation Recon Nature – All ages
Saturday, November 15, 3-4 pm
Veterans from all service branches - Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired personnel are invited to attend monthly walks at Wehr Nature Center. For approximately one to one and a half hours, we will travel on the trails of Wehr Nature Center to share camaraderie and experience seasonal nature happenings. No fee but online registration is required. Contact holly.walz@ milwaukeecountywi.gov with questions.
Guided Forest Bathing
Sunday, November 16, 1-3 pm
Unplug, slow down, and de-stress from your daily routine. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, a certified forest bathing guide will lead you through a series of sensorybased invitations designed to relax, restore, and deepen your relationship with the natural world.
Fee: $35 per person (includes parking); $25 for FOWmembers Online registration is required 2 days before the program
NatureNauts
Scampering Squirrels
Sunday, November 23, 1 - 2 pm Monday, November 24, 9:30 - 10:30 am
A program for 4 - 6-year-olds with an adult
Go nuts as we discover the acrobatic antics of our squirrely neighbors. Go for a short walk to search for squirrel homes, clues, and food. Make a craft squirrel.
Click on the name of a program for more information and to register. Program audience key: Kids/Families; Adults; Special Event
Fees: $12 per person; $10 for Milwaukee County residents; $7 for Friends of Wehr (FOW) members, unless otherwise noted. A $5 parking fee applies for non-FOW members. Online registration at least two days prior to the program is required.
DECEMBER
Wehr Birders
9-10 am
Guided Forest Bathing Session
1-2:30 pm Little Wonders for Twos
9:30-10:30 am
Little Wonders for Threes 11 am-noon
Snapping turtle lays eggs 2018
Christmas Bird Count 9 am-12 pm
Wehr Birders 9-10 am
NatureNauts 1-2 pm
Wehr Birders 9-10 am
Spiritual Ecology Through the Seasons: Winter Solstice Celebration 9:30-11 am
NatureNauts 9:30-10:30 am
Owl Prowl for Adults 7-9 pm
Owl Prowl for Families at Grant Park 6:30-8:30 pm
Wehr Camera Club 9-11 am
Wild Ones 1:30-3 pm
Operation Recon Nature 3-4 pm
Youth Group Owl Prowl at Grant Park 5:30-7:30 pm
Wehr’s Visitor Center is Closed Enjoy the trails
Flow Yoga 9-10 am
Programs offered by an affiliated organization are listed in orange. For more information call 414-425-8550 All programs & events subject to change. Parking fees may apply.
Spend an Evening with the Owls
Family Owl Prowl at Grant Park
Saturday, December 6, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Owl Prowl for Youth Groups at Grant Park
Saturday, December 13, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Location: Grant Park Clubhouse 100 Hawthorne Ave, South Milwaukee, WI 53172
Join a naturalist for an evening with the owls in Grant Park! An interactive program will highlight the amazing adaptations of our nocturnal neighbors. Come prepared to walk in search of great-horned and Eastern screech owls. Each child will dissect an owl pellet to discover what owls eat for dinner! Recommended for ages 6 and older. Fee: $12 per person; $10 Milwaukee County residents; $7 Friends of Wehr members. Online registration is required two days before the program.
December Programs
Guided Forest Bathing
Sunday, December 7, 1-2:30 pm
Unplug, slow down, and de-stress from your daily routine. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, a certified forest bathing guide will lead you through a series of sensory-based invitations designed to relax, restore, and deepen your relationship with the natural world.
Little Wonders Bear Hunt
Monday, December 8
For 2-year-olds, 9:30-10:30 am
For 3-year-olds, 11 am-12 pm
Grab your teddy bear and join us for a bear hunt. We will learn about what wild bears do to get ready for winter and then take our teddies on an adventure. A snack fit for a bear awaits tots at the end of their journey.
Owl Prowl for Adults at Wehr
Friday, Dec. 12, 7-9 pm
Join a naturalist for an evening out with the owls. An interactive program will highlight the habits and adaptations of our nocturnal neighbors. Then we will walk the trails, listening and looking for great-horned and Eastern screech owls.
Operation Recon Nature – All Ages
Saturday, December 13, 3-4 pm
Veterans from all service branches - Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired personnel are invited to attend monthly walks at Wehr Nature Center. For approximately one to one and a half hours, we will travel on the trails of Wehr Nature Center to share camaraderie and experience seasonal nature happenings. No fee but online registration is required. Contact holly.walz@ milwaukeecountywi.gov with questions.
Get busy learning the secrets of nature’s hardest-working engineer - the Beaver. Join us to sing The Beaver Song, make a beaver tail, and touch a tree that’s been gnawed by a real Beaver.
Christmas Bird Count
Sunday, December 14, 9 am-12 pm
Community Science volunteers are needed to count birds at Wehr and sites within southern Milwaukee County for the National Audubon Society’s 126th Christmas Bird Count. All ages/experiences welcome. Participants bird as long as desired at assigned sites or at Wehr with a naturalist. Accessible count options are available; please contact Carol at 414-425-8550. Free, but register before November 24 by emailing Carol at carol.howard@milwaukeecountywi.gov
SPARK!
Nature programs for adults with memory loss and their care partner
Holiday Cheer
Tues., Dec. 16, 1-2:30 pm; Wed., Dec. 17, 10-11:30 am
Come to share in our holiday spirit. We’ll enjoy music, sample delicious treats, and celebrate our special SPARK! Community. No fee, but registration is required.
Spiritual Ecology Through the SeasonsWinter Solstice Celebration
Sunday, December 21, 9:30- 11 am
Adults are invited to celebrate the Winter Solstice with us. The values of Spiritual Ecology (Interconnectedness, Compassion, Service, Reverence, and Reciprocity) will be taught to help us honor the season and deepen our connection to nature. Some aspects of our practice will include readings, meditation/guided imagery, time outdoors, exploring quietude, and nature journaling, among others.
Flow Yoga
Saturday, December 27, 9-10 am
Treat yourself to self-care in a peaceful, beautiful setting at Wehr. Join our monthly yoga series co-hosted by a Barefoot Haven yoga and wellness studio instructor. All levels and abilities are welcome in this indoor vinyasa flow class. Pre-register online at https://www.thebarefoothaven.com/schedule. Fee: $15 per session
Fees: $12 per person; $10 for Milwaukee County residents; $7 for Friends of Wehr (FOW) members, unless otherwise noted. A $5 parking fee applies for non-FOW members. Online registration at least two days prior to the program is required. Click on the name of a program for more information and to register. Program audience key: Kids/Families; Adults; Special Event
